Trails

Are you looking to travel off the beaten path? If so, then St. Louis has an adventure for you. We invite you to journey along miles and miles of trails that will guide you past rivers, lakes and beautiful greenways. You can stroll through lush gardens, get a front-row view of wildlife or bike along Missouri’s magnificent bluffs. It all awaits you on the trails of St. Louis.

TrailnetFounded in 1988, Trailnet has led or partnered in development of the bi-state regional trail network; managed the Bicycle Fun Club, one of the largest cycling programs of its kind in the nation with a published annual calendar that features more than 20 full-supported, multi-route, mapped and marked rides; and created the Bike/Walk Master Plans for more than 23 municipalities, including Safe Routes to School and TravelGreen.

Great Rivers GreenwayA 113 mile paved trail that connects the St. Louis region with greenways so visitors can explore the rivers, parks and communities. Bike, walk and hike the greenway trails.

Audubon Center at Riverlands
Located on the Mississippi River in the 3,700-acre Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Audubon Center at Riverlands is your gateway and getaway to nature in St. Louis. The Sanctuary’s 8.5 miles of trails, river islands, prairie marsh, scenic overlooks, one-of-kind avian observatory, and picnic areas, provide multiple access points to the Mississippi River, and abundant year round opportunities to view birds and enjoy the outdoors. The sustainably built Center boasts a spectacular 140-degree view of Ellis Bay. Welcoming, and replete with spotting scopes, field guides, and helpful staff and volunteers, the Center offers unmatched experiences to view wintering Trumpeter Swans and Bald Eagles.

Alton Trails and MapsFind the top-rated trails in Alton, whether looking for an easy walking path or a long bike trail, you’ll find plenty to choose from. Visit the website to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos and reviews.

Carondelet ParkThe park’s two miles of trails wind through and around railroad tracks, a bridge, a boathouse, lake, and multiple sports fields and horseshoe pits. Relax under one of the beautifully structured pavilions and listen to the peaceful vibes of the large water fountain near the boathouse.

Castlewood State ParkHike the River Scene Trail, a three-mile loop, which ascends to the top of the majestic limestone bluffs towering above the Meramec River, and then down a long wooden staircase that takes visitors from the top of the bluffs to the valley below. The trail is designated for hiking and biking (though hiking only on the bluff portion).

Columbia Bottoms TrailFor nearly five miles, the Columbia Bottom Trail meanders through the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, which features forests, wetlands, and open fields. The trail is part of the Missouri River Greenway that starts at the junction of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Visitors can see the confluence of the two rivers from an observation deck at the trail’s eastern end near the Missouri/Illinois border.

Creve Coeur Park (Water Trail)
Six paved and earthen trails wind through this nature-lovers park. Whether by canoe, kayak or paddleboard, the six-mile Creve Coeur Water Trail takes you around the lake with interpretive information available from the brochure or with a smart phone. Some of the points of interest can be reached via the trail system that encircles the lake. For the brave of heart, try the Go Ape Zipline Treetop Adventure in which groups explore the forest canopy via a treetop rope course.

Faust ParkHike through history at Faust Park. Comprised of nearly 200 acres in the heart of Chesterfield, the park is the original estate of Missouri’s second governor, Frederick Bates. Tour the governor’s home, Thornhill Grounds, as well as the Historic Village that features four homes and 14 additional structures spanning a period from 1840 to 1910. Take time to ride one of the 60 hand-carved horses on the St. Louis Carousel, or walk through the Butterfly House.

Forest ParkLocated in the heart of the city, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 1,371 acres, it is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York. It is home to the region’s major cultural institutions – the Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, Science Center and the Muny Opera. It also serves as a sports center for golf, tennis, baseball, bicycling, boating, fishing, handball, ice-skating, roller blading, jogging, rugby and more. Opened in 1876, the park drew more than 20 million visitors to the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.

Fort Belle Fontaine ParkLocated on the Missouri River in north St. Louis County, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail is a three-mile multi-purpose trail that includes a trailhead and interpretive signage which guides visitors to four main areas of the park: the Missouri River; Belle Fontaine Spring; Coldwater Creek; and a 50-acre upland prairie and wetlands. A variety of programs are scheduled at the park throughout the year including ghost stories, hayrides, Prairie Day and the Eagle Watch and Trail Walk.

George Winter ParkHike along the Meramec River, take a boat ride, fish or just picnic at one of the pavilions located throughout the park. The paved Meramec Greenway Trail and the earthen George Winter Walking Trail provide options for hikers.

Grant’s TrailThe Ulysses S. Grant Trail is an eight-mile long “rails to trails” bike trail stretching through south and southwest St. Louis County. As a former railroad right of way, Grant’s Trail is flat and perfect for biking, running, inline skating, walking, or cross-country skiing.

Hamburg TrailThe Hamburg Trail links the Katy Trail to the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. This six-mile linear trail is a gravel epic maze of roads that is never too far from your car.

Jefferson Barracks Historical ParkA unique destination offering a mix of history, recreational facilities and natural features, the county park also serves as an active military installation. Established in 1827, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 200,000 veterans representing every American war, including the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Hiking and biking trails, tours, classes and exhibits highlight any visit.

Katy TrailThe 240-mile-long trail is the longest developed rail-trail in the country. Built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT or Katy), the trail stretches between Clinton and Machens with 26 trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way. Bike, walk, hike, horseback ride or just enjoy nature at its finest.

Lone Elk ParkA wildlife management area filled with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and white-tailed deer. Driving routes provide views of the elk and bison, often at close proximity. You may come across some elk while hiking the four-mile White Bison Trail that begins and ends at the Visitor Center. The trail loop can be steep at times and traverses rocky terrain.

Madison County Transit (MCT) Confluence TrailBring your camera, as the MCT Trail is a photographic patchwork of rivers, bridges, waterfront wildlife and industrial cityscape. The trail starts at Russell Commons Park in Alton and curves south, mostly along the Mississippi River levee to Granite City, offering spectacular views along the way. It is perfect for walking or biking, with a smooth asphalt surface in most places and oil and chip seal along the levee by the canal.

Metro East Levee TrailThe trail, which sits atop a levee that is 30 feet high at some points, offers a semicircle route around Cahokia, which lies south of St. Louis and east of the Mississippi River. The experience offers a mixture of small hills and flat areas with views of wetlands and open green space. The trail’s rough surface is best suited for hiking, though biking is permitted.

Queeny Park (Native Tree Trail)Eight paved and/or rock trails wind though wooded landscape and provide easy to challenging exertion. There’s even a Native Tree Trail and the county’s first Dog Park, a five-acre park that features separate areas for large and small dogs. The park is also home of the Greensfelder Recreation Complex, the Dog Museum, fishing, picnic sites and hayrides.

Rockwoods ReservationSix hiking trails of varying difficulty level and lengths up to 3.6 miles includes the Lime Kiln Loop Trail, which offers a peaceful and shaded trek through the reservation, one of the oldest conservation areas in the state of Missouri. The half-mile Trail Among the Trees is mostly paved and passes by a cave.

St. Louis Riverfront TrailThe St. Louis Riverfront Trail follows the Mississippi River on the Missouri side, from the Gateway Arch heading north to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, part of the legendary Route 66. The trail is distinctly urban, passing among old industrial areas along the river and atop a levee. The mile-long bridge is suspended more than 60 feet above the mighty Mississippi and makes a distinct 30-degree curve in its middle.

Shaw Nature ReserveShaw Nature Reserve, formerly known as Shaw Arboretum, is a 2,400-acre nature reserve located in Villa Ridge, MO, that is operated as an extension of the Missouri Botanical Garden. At the Visitor Center, visitors will receive a map of the hiking trails and information on the seasonal displays, interpretive programs and nature classes. Groups can take a naturalist guided Wilderness Wagon Tour on a three-mile gravel road to learn what’s in bloom and to see the tallgrass prairie, wildlife and wetlands.

Sioux Passage ParkThe half-mile Nature Trail stretches along the Missouri River in the northern part of the park. The trail provides views of the river, Pelican Island and the Car of Commerce Chute. The bottomland woodland teems with cottonwood, sycamore, box elder, silver maple and black willow trees.

Tower Grove ParkFounded in 1868 by Henry Shaw and opened to the public in 1872, Tower Grove Park’s landscape of grassy meadows, approximately 7,000 trees and many varied flowerbeds make the 289-acre park an important urban green space. Cultural and educational programs include the Summer Children’s Concert Series, the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market, lecture series, art exhibits and band concerts. Victorian pavilions are a favorite site for family, school, and community events and celebrations. Seven miles of biking/walking trails, tennis courts and athletic fields are available year-round. The park also has a wading pool and three playgrounds.

Tilles Park (city)Ice skate at the rink, play catch on one of the numerous ball fields, swing a racquet on the tennis courts, or just relax and have a picnic at this delightful city park. A walking path even offers enthusiasts an exercise station.

Tilles Park (county)Bike or hike the circumference of the 75-acre park in St. Louis County. A favorite location for picnics, it has traditionally been the site of the ever-popular Winter Wonderland light display each holiday season.

World Bird SanctuaryPerched just off the intersection of Interstate 44 and Route 141 in Valley Park, the Wild Bird Sanctuary is one of North America’s largest facilities for the conservation of birds, featuring a variety of bird species spanning 305 acres. Trails range from easy to moderate, with the easy hikes being suitable for all ages. Hickory Trail starts at at the far end of the exhibit line and is .2 mile long. Tunnel Trail trailhead is located near the end of Hickory Trail and is .2 mile. Turtle Bob Trails starts near the Kathryn G. Favre Wildlife Hospital and is 1 mile long. The Chubb Trail, a horseback, bike and hiking trail, starts at the Chubb Trail parking lot, which is near the Lone Elk County Park entrance, and is 7 miles long one way.